I was born here in Jacksonville at Camp Lejeune.  My father was in the Marine Corps and while we moved quite often, we always seemed to return to Jacksonville.

During my educational experience, I attended 13 different schools in 12 years.  Having done this, I realize how important it is to feel comfortable in your educational setting in order to be successful.

I graduated from White Oak High School, here in Jacksonville, in 1981.  I proceeded to attend the University of North Carolina in Charlotte majoring in biological sciences hoping to go to medical school.  During my junior year in college, I made a decision to take a year off to decide what it really was that would make my life meaningful and successful.  I decided to go to school for art.  I went to East Carolina University and studied graphic design and illustration.  During this time, I had my 2 children.  The life of a graphic designer does not leave much time for a family, so I decided to go back to school and pursue my degree in education at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington. 

I have been working in the Educational Field for 20 years.  My first 2 years were as a teacher's assistant here at Northwoods Elementary. My first year of teaching was in Kindergarten at Southwest Elementary School.  I then returned to Northwoods Elementary to teach Third Grade. I have also taught Kindergarten and Second Grade.  Seven years ago, to my surprise, I was given the opportunity to become the Art Teacher.  I have been wanting to teach art for a long time.  I have been creating art since I was a young child with my mother being an art teacher for most of my life.  I look forward to working with all the wonderful students at Northwoods and help bring out their creative abilities.